For Buckingham Palace, the royal tour of Australia concluded in a way that could be described as nothing short of ideal. The optics were overwhelmingly positive, despite a protest in Canberra that captured headlines earlier in the week. On the ground in Sydney, the public’s mood was largely supportive, providing a much-needed boost to the royal family’s image. The successful wrap-up of the trip will surely come as a huge relief to royal aides, especially as the tour had been surrounded by uncertainties earlier in the year.

Back in February, this tour was far from certain. The King had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment, raising serious doubts about his ability to travel. However, the tour remained on the schedule, albeit with some adjustments based on medical advice. The itinerary was shortened, and engagements were carefully arranged to avoid overly taxing the King. There were no early starts or late-night events, all in an effort to accommodate his health needs. Despite these modifications, the schedule remained packed with a variety of important events, making it a demanding trip for both the King and Queen.

Tuesday was a particularly busy day for the royal couple, showcasing the breadth of their engagements. Between them, they visited the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, a food bank, a social housing project, and a literacy initiative. They attended a community barbecue, met with two prominent cancer researchers, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House. The day culminated in a naval review in Sydney Harbour. In addition to these events, the King also launched the Australian arm of his foundation, expanding the charity’s work in promoting sustainability and offering training in traditional craft skills. This tour, like many others, consisted of a whirlwind of diverse engagements, each with its own set of challenges. Crowds gathered at each stop, eager to see the monarch, and the King appeared to handle it all with poise and energy.

Remarkably, the King’s health challenges were not apparent during the tour. He moved through his engagements with grace and was visibly touched by the warm reception from the Australian public. This was his first visit to the country as monarch, and the affection shown by the people seemed to move him deeply. However, not all of the reactions were positive. The protest at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday was uncomfortable, but it was not entirely unexpected.

The King has faced protests throughout his career, and his visit to Australia, a country with ongoing debates about republicanism and indigenous rights, was likely to spark some level of dissent. His presence on Australian soil naturally brings questions about the role of the British monarch as head of state into sharper focus. It reignites the conversation about whether the monarchy is still appropriate for a modern Australia. While republican sentiment is a constant undercurrent in the country’s political landscape, it did not dominate this trip, except for the protest in Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a known supporter of a republic, has played a prominent role in the tour, accompanying the King and Queen to several engagements. Despite his political stance, the prime minister has spoken warmly about the royal couple during their visit. His remarks, while acknowledging the ongoing debate about Australia’s constitutional future, have been respectful and gracious. At a formal event to welcome the King to Canberra, Mr. Albanese remarked, “You have shown great respect for Australians, even during times when we have debated the future of our own constitutional arrangements and the nature of our relationship with the crown. Nothing stands still.”

For the royal family, the positive reception and the smooth execution of the tour were significant victories. They showed that even amid political debates and personal health challenges, the King remains a respected figure on the world stage. While republican discussions in Australia may continue, the tour ended with the monarchy’s standing intact, leaving Buckingham Palace with much to celebrate.